‘Disrespectful’ act on iconic Frederick McCubbin painting

The descendants of the painter of an iconic Australian artwork defaced in a protest have let their thoughts on the matter be known.

Desmond Blurton and Joana Partyka staged a protest at the Art Gallery of Western Australia on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

The descendants of the iconic Australian painter whose work was spray-painted by environmental protesters have come out in support of the group behind the stunt.

Margot Edwards and Ned Reilly, the great-granddaughter and great-great-grandson of Frederick McCubbin, say they back the Disrupt Burrup Hub protest “knowing no harm was done to the painting”.

A 37-year-old woman has now been charged over the incident on Thursday when she allegedly stormed the Art Gallery of Western Australia and spray-painted a stencil of Woodside Energy’s logo over the painting Down on His Luck.

The painting wasn’t damaged thanks to a Perspex shield over the canvas.

The activist group is trying to stop the Woodside group’s operations on the Burrup peninsula, more than 1200km north of Perth, which houses the largest and oldest collection of rock carvings in the world.

The expansion of Woodside’s operations require the carvings to be moved.

“I’m in support of anything that brings a conversation about the Burrup peninsula and ultimately the protection of that rock art by cultural custodians,” Ms Edwards said.

Protesters Desmond Blurton and Joana Partyka at the Art Gallery of Western Australia on Thursday.

Ms Edwards said her ancestor would have found the action “quite amusing”.

Mr Reilly said that they were “thrilled” that the 134-year-old oil painting was chosen for the protest.

“They chose the artwork because they knew it was well protected and had a decent perspex screen across it. I’m impressed that they’re so responsible,” they said.

“I’m impressed they have the courage to put their civil liberties on the line for something that’s really in the public interest.”

Police have charged the Northbridge woman with a count of criminal damage, and she’ll face a Perth court on February 16.

But not everyone supported the protest. Both the state’s Labor government and opposition who condemned the stunt.

“The McGowan government recognises people have the right to protest peacefully and respectfully, but putting at risk an iconic piece of Australian art is disrespectful and totally inappropriate,” a government spokesperson said.

“The state government supports sensible industrial development on the Burrup while protecting rock art and heavily investing in the Murujuga Rock Art monitoring program.”

WA Liberal leader David Honey took to social media to express his anger.

The actions of the vandals who spraypainted the iconic Australian painting "Down on His Luck" cannot be supported.

The right to protest is an essential part of our Democracy, but tactics like these are unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/dyCdklWjhA

— Dr David Honey MLA (@DrDavidHoney) January 19, 2023

“This painting is a treasured part of our national identity, and though it was not damaged, it sets a precedent in which future protests could cause permanent damage,” Dr Honey said.

“As these crimes have become more frequent in other parts of the world, that behaviour cannot become normalised in Western Australia.”

Mr Reilly said they were “shocked” WA Premier Mark McGowan had condemned the protest.

“I really feel like they’re on the wrong side of history and these activists are very much on the right side of history,” they said.

Similar protests have been held at museums and galleries around the world over the past year, most notably when van Gogh’s Sunflowers had tomato soup thrown over it at the National Gallery in London.

Woodside Energy was contacted for comment.